Modular Conveyor Link with Rounded Apical Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular link conveyor chains face inefficiencies in energy consumption when conveying articles with elevation changes, particularly when articles adhere to the conveying surface, and there is a need for improved adaptability and efficiency in transferring articles between conveyors, especially in spiral configurations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates modular links with rounded upper portions and apical engagement surfaces for reduced contact and friction, along with a sprocket drive system featuring removable teeth for efficient energy transfer and minimal sticking, allowing for adaptable and efficient conveyance in various configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If articles are conveyed on a flat conveying surface, then articles can be transported efficiently, but articles may adhere to the conveying surface causing increased friction and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the flat conveying surface with a rounded upper portion on conveyor links. This rounded surface reduces the contact area between articles and the conveyor, minimizing adhesion and friction. The curved geometry allows articles to roll or slide more easily rather than being dragged across a flat surface, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining conveyance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating a differentiated surface geometry where only the upper portion of the link is rounded while other portions maintain their structural form. This localized curvature modification targets specifically the article-contact region to reduce adhesion, while the rest of the link structure remains optimized for strength and connectivity.
2Area of stationary object
If a spiral configuration is used to convey articles over long distances without wasting floor space, then space efficiency is improved, but driving the chain along the spiral path with elevation change requires significant energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded upper portions on the links reduce friction and adhesion forces throughout the spiral path. By minimizing the contact resistance between articles and conveyor surface, the system requires less energy to drive the chain through elevation changes and curved paths, making the spiral configuration more energy-efficient while maintaining its space-saving advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The rounded surface geometry is built into the link structure beforehand, preparing the conveying surface to reduce adhesion before articles encounter it. This preliminary design feature ensures that articles are continuously presented with a low-friction surface throughout their journey through the spiral conveyor, reducing the cumulative energy required to move them through elevation changes.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional flat links are used, then manufacturing is simple, but articles may stick to the flat surface requiring external cooling and causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded upper portion can be manufactured using standard forming processes that create curved surfaces. This geometric modification reduces adhesion and friction between articles and the conveyor surface, preventing sticking issues that would require external cooling systems. The curved surface allows articles to be released more easily, reducing potential damage from adhesion forces.
4Loss of energy
If modular links with rounded portions are used, then adhesion is reduced and energy efficiency improves, but the link structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies complexity only where necessary by rounding only the upper portion of the link that contacts articles, while keeping the rest of the link structure simple and modular. This localized modification achieves the energy efficiency benefits of reduced adhesion without requiring complex changes to the entire link design, maintaining ease of assembly and manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for conveying an object in a conveying direction includes a conveyor comprised of a plurality of modular links adapted for interconnecting to form a chain. At least one of the links comprises a rounded upper portion forming an apical region for contacting and supporting the article for conveyance along at least a forward run in the conveying direction. The at least one link further including a forwardly projecting portion associated with a first transverse connector forming a part of the upper portion and a rearwardly projecting portion associated with a second transverse connector forming part of the upper portion. The first and second connectors may be staggered in the conveying direction and a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Further aspects pertain to a link with an apical engaging structure, and a sprocket with a removable tooth.